Pain Evaluation after Pulsed Radiofrequency in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Objective  To evaluate the role of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in the pain management of patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and surgical indication. Methods  We selected 30 patients from the waiting list for total hip arthroplasty, with wait time ranging from 1 to 3 years. The OA degree was measured radiographically according to the Tönnis classification. Patients underwent PRF in the surgical center, performed by two senior hip surgeons from the hospital. The procedure was fluoroscopy-guided and occurred under anesthetic sedation. One nurse assessed all patients before and after PRF using the short form-36 questionnaire. Results  From the initial sample of 30 patients, only 13 underwent PRF. Per the Tönnis classification, one subject was type I, four were type II, and eight were type III. The results showed an improvement in pain in 6 patients (46%), general health status in 9 (69%), social aspects in 8 (62%), and mental health in 3 (8%). Furthermore, 2 subjects (15%) reported pain worsening after PRF, and 3 (23%) reported general health status worsening. Conclusion  In more advanced degrees of hip joint degeneration (Tönnis III), the technique was flawed, risky, and unsatisfactory. The data obtained question PRF cost-effectiveness and its indication for patients with hip OA as a safe and effective alternative conservative treatment.